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Thunderhead
Captivating, memorable and deeply funny, Thunderhead is a heart-squeezing and hopeful illustrated middle grade novel about music, disability, friendship and fandom - beautifully told with humour, art and joy. Perfect for fans of Wonder and Lenny's Book of Everything.
When I listen to music it speaks to me, fills up my soul until I'm bursting with the rainbow-sprinkled, breathless, blush-red joy of being ALIVE.
Meet Thunderhead: awkward, music-obsessed and a magnet for bad luck. Their favourite things in life are listening to records and hanging out with their best (and only) friend Moonflower. But Thunderhead has a big secret. And when Moonflower moves schools, they're faced with the reality of surviving the wilderness of high school alone. Make new friends?
NOTHANKYOUVERYMUCH. As two big life events approach, Thunderhead posts playlists and heartfelt diary entries as an outlet to try to make sense of their changing world, to try to calm the storm brewing in their brain and to try to find the courage to unfurl their heart.
Drawing on Sophie Beer's own experience of hearing loss, this indelible illustrated middle grade novel about music, disability, friendship and fandom is immediately engaging, utterly authentic and entirely unputdownable.
When I listen to music it speaks to me, fills up my soul until I'm bursting with the rainbow-sprinkled, breathless, blush-red joy of being ALIVE.
Meet Thunderhead: awkward, music-obsessed and a magnet for bad luck. Their favourite things in life are listening to records and hanging out with their best (and only) friend Moonflower. But Thunderhead has a big secret. And when Moonflower moves schools, they're faced with the reality of surviving the wilderness of high school alone. Make new friends?
NOTHANKYOUVERYMUCH. As two big life events approach, Thunderhead posts playlists and heartfelt diary entries as an outlet to try to make sense of their changing world, to try to calm the storm brewing in their brain and to try to find the courage to unfurl their heart.
Drawing on Sophie Beer's own experience of hearing loss, this indelible illustrated middle grade novel about music, disability, friendship and fandom is immediately engaging, utterly authentic and entirely unputdownable.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2024
5 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Beer
76 books42 followersSophie Beer is an award-winning illustrator/author living in Brisbane, Australia.
Sophie Beer is an award-winning illustrator/author living in Brisbane, Australia. She rejoices in creating bright, funny picture books which centre equality, inclusion and kindness. Her books have been printed all over the world and have sold close to one million copies. She has published with Penguin Random House New York, Simon & Schuster, Hardie Grant, Scholastic, and many more. As an illustrator, she has worked with the likes of Disney, Google, The Guardian, The Boston Globe. As a writer, her work has appeared in Frankie Magazine and The Big Issue. In 2022 she received a Varuna Writers Space Fellowship to complete her first middle grade novel. When she's not illustrating and writing, she thinks a lot about plants, animals, music, books, equality, and Aldi choc-chip biscuits.
Winner of the 2016 SCBWI Penguin/Random House Portfolio award.
Sophie Beer is an award-winning illustrator/author living in Brisbane, Australia. She rejoices in creating bright, funny picture books which centre equality, inclusion and kindness. Her books have been printed all over the world and have sold close to one million copies. She has published with Penguin Random House New York, Simon & Schuster, Hardie Grant, Scholastic, and many more. As an illustrator, she has worked with the likes of Disney, Google, The Guardian, The Boston Globe. As a writer, her work has appeared in Frankie Magazine and The Big Issue. In 2022 she received a Varuna Writers Space Fellowship to complete her first middle grade novel. When she's not illustrating and writing, she thinks a lot about plants, animals, music, books, equality, and Aldi choc-chip biscuits.
Winner of the 2016 SCBWI Penguin/Random House Portfolio award.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 3, 2024
Written with all the passion of a music aficionado and from lived experience this is the Australian middle grade novel I’ll be flogging to everyone this summer.
Epistolary format, with a 5-song-a-chapter playlist (scan the QR code near the back of the book for the Spotify playlist), the real standout for myself (and, possibly younger readers) is the illustrations and joyous graphics throughout.
Main character ‘Thunderhead’ (online persona name) is negotiating all the usual hurdles of a 12 year old, living in ‘Quagmire’ (Queensland), in her first year of high school, relying on her widowed grandfather and single-mother for love, guidance and support.
The buttery sunshine of her life, her grandmother passed away a few years earlier from a melanoma related cancer of the brain. She was the source of Thunderhead’s musical passion (1970s female-centric folk), and possibly the glue of the family. The trauma of her death and the hole it has left causes Thunderhead to renegotiate her own perceptions of self, family and world.
Author, Sophie Beer writes with lived experience of acoustic neuroma (hearing loss caused by a tumour on the hearing nerve), brain surgery and the extensive medical processes involved. Thunderhead experiences a similar journey, but at the age of 12.75yrs of age and with teen pressures and passions.
From the bright orange cover, fun graphics and font-joy, this is the middle grade novel that will standout for all the right reasons. Friendship, family, disability and gender will be standout themes, but it’s the love-of-life, humour and heart-punching characters I’m celebrating.
The last chapter of the book is told in comic strip style (Raina Telgemeier fans will appreciate the effort here), indicating a future possibility of a graphic novel from Sophie Beer?
Read this book for the joy and songs. Gift this book for the feels and hope. Share this book for the strong characters and positive diversity of characters.
Thank you, Sophie Beer and Allen & Unwin publishers.
Epistolary format, with a 5-song-a-chapter playlist (scan the QR code near the back of the book for the Spotify playlist), the real standout for myself (and, possibly younger readers) is the illustrations and joyous graphics throughout.
Main character ‘Thunderhead’ (online persona name) is negotiating all the usual hurdles of a 12 year old, living in ‘Quagmire’ (Queensland), in her first year of high school, relying on her widowed grandfather and single-mother for love, guidance and support.
The buttery sunshine of her life, her grandmother passed away a few years earlier from a melanoma related cancer of the brain. She was the source of Thunderhead’s musical passion (1970s female-centric folk), and possibly the glue of the family. The trauma of her death and the hole it has left causes Thunderhead to renegotiate her own perceptions of self, family and world.
Author, Sophie Beer writes with lived experience of acoustic neuroma (hearing loss caused by a tumour on the hearing nerve), brain surgery and the extensive medical processes involved. Thunderhead experiences a similar journey, but at the age of 12.75yrs of age and with teen pressures and passions.
From the bright orange cover, fun graphics and font-joy, this is the middle grade novel that will standout for all the right reasons. Friendship, family, disability and gender will be standout themes, but it’s the love-of-life, humour and heart-punching characters I’m celebrating.
The last chapter of the book is told in comic strip style (Raina Telgemeier fans will appreciate the effort here), indicating a future possibility of a graphic novel from Sophie Beer?
Read this book for the joy and songs. Gift this book for the feels and hope. Share this book for the strong characters and positive diversity of characters.
Thank you, Sophie Beer and Allen & Unwin publishers.
January 19, 2025
4.5 stars.
Meet Thunderhead: awkward, music-obsessed and a magnet for bad luck. Their favourite things in life are listening to records and hanging out with their best (and only) friend Moonflower. But Thunderhead has a big secret. As two big life events approach, Thunderhead posts playlists and heartfelt diary entries as an outlet to try to calm the storm brewing in their brain and to try to find the courage to unfurl their heart.
First of all, if you know me, you know I like unique books. This was definitely one. From the unknown identity of Thunderhead themselves, the storyline involving pouring their hearts and soul into the internet abyss, to the multimedia format of the book.
Not gonna lie, it took some time for me to get used to the fonts. The frequently used ALLCAPS sentences also oftentimes broke my reading flow, but I totally understood the creative choice and I think a lot of middle grade readers would enjoy this. The inclusion of song playlists in each chapter was wonderful. I kept guessing which songs were real and which were made up 😄.
There was so much levity in the storytelling, even though it covered so many heavy topics. Thunderhead was facing a lot of uncertainties - with their identity, coming-of-age, and losing their hearing. I felt for them. It was such a treat to get to know Thunderhead slowly. The way we got introduced by knowing what they liked and didn’t like first, before ‘seeing’ their physical appearance, was so wonderful. I wish this could be how we teach our next generations to get to know one another in real life too!
I’d recommend this to everyone, not just for middle graders. And kudos to Sophie Beer for waving this wonderful story with authenticity based on her own personal experience with hearing loss.
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
Meet Thunderhead: awkward, music-obsessed and a magnet for bad luck. Their favourite things in life are listening to records and hanging out with their best (and only) friend Moonflower. But Thunderhead has a big secret. As two big life events approach, Thunderhead posts playlists and heartfelt diary entries as an outlet to try to calm the storm brewing in their brain and to try to find the courage to unfurl their heart.
First of all, if you know me, you know I like unique books. This was definitely one. From the unknown identity of Thunderhead themselves, the storyline involving pouring their hearts and soul into the internet abyss, to the multimedia format of the book.
Not gonna lie, it took some time for me to get used to the fonts. The frequently used ALLCAPS sentences also oftentimes broke my reading flow, but I totally understood the creative choice and I think a lot of middle grade readers would enjoy this. The inclusion of song playlists in each chapter was wonderful. I kept guessing which songs were real and which were made up 😄.
There was so much levity in the storytelling, even though it covered so many heavy topics. Thunderhead was facing a lot of uncertainties - with their identity, coming-of-age, and losing their hearing. I felt for them. It was such a treat to get to know Thunderhead slowly. The way we got introduced by knowing what they liked and didn’t like first, before ‘seeing’ their physical appearance, was so wonderful. I wish this could be how we teach our next generations to get to know one another in real life too!
I’d recommend this to everyone, not just for middle graders. And kudos to Sophie Beer for waving this wonderful story with authenticity based on her own personal experience with hearing loss.
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
November 3, 2024
This is such a beautiful and real look at the teenage MC dealing with tumours that will result in their hearing loss. This is especially hard for someone who uses music as their way of understanding and coping with the world around them. This is a beautiful story that mixes the sad and reality of hard news, and finding resilience and acceptance in the world and their place within it.
December 30, 2024
Such a wonderful book. Some great themes for middle/senior primary readers (friendship, illness).
December 23, 2024
I don’t give stars for my read list anymore but this deserves it. I remember following Sophie on social media through the journey that inspired this book and read it with the biggest grin on my face the entire time. I loved it with my whole heart. Well done ♥️
April 22, 2025
Friendship, growing up and adjusting to life changing events. It made my laugh, smile and get a little teary. With music so central to the story it had me thinking about my favourite music over the years and what my list would contain. Loved it!!
December 8, 2024
Sophie Beer's middle-grade debut is a tuneful and tender story, Australia's answer to ‘Wonder’ by RJ Palacio - and likely to be as big a hit! At once hilarious and heartfelt; it's about a young person battling illness, then adjusting to acquired-Disability and learning to love what their body can do, and what it has overcome. Narrated by a wonderfully funny and resilient kid, and featuring delightful accompanying illustrations; this is one to press into every young person's hands - an entertaining and affirming read.
August 16, 2025
Update: reread for readers cup question writing
Great book, balancing the sad, the funny and the authentic.
Great book, balancing the sad, the funny and the authentic.
April 12, 2025
I only read this book after several very positive reviews from people whose opinions I respect highly including the CBCA notables list for 2025. Otherwise, based on the cover and blurb, I would not have read it. I admit I was at first pleasantly surprised and then increasingly hooked by the voice and experience of Thunderhead who writes under that name on a mostly unread forum.
The story is based firmly in the experience of the author Sophie Beer, a music lover, who had benign tumours removed from her brain causing her to lose her hearing in one ear. The story is told in heartfelt detail and as well as finding ways to be (somewhat) at peace with approaching deafness, Thunderhead also negotiates her way through friendships, being the person everyone pities and assembles her 'Playlist for the END OF MY HEARING'.
The black and white illustrations throughout the book add to the reader's understanding of the character of Thunderhead who uses the pronouns they/their until the very last chapter.
A key element of the whole book is a playlist of 5 pieces of music prefacing each chapter that link to the chapter name. The whole playlist is available on Spotify and added hugely to my appreciation of the book.
The story is based firmly in the experience of the author Sophie Beer, a music lover, who had benign tumours removed from her brain causing her to lose her hearing in one ear. The story is told in heartfelt detail and as well as finding ways to be (somewhat) at peace with approaching deafness, Thunderhead also negotiates her way through friendships, being the person everyone pities and assembles her 'Playlist for the END OF MY HEARING'.
The black and white illustrations throughout the book add to the reader's understanding of the character of Thunderhead who uses the pronouns they/their until the very last chapter.
A key element of the whole book is a playlist of 5 pieces of music prefacing each chapter that link to the chapter name. The whole playlist is available on Spotify and added hugely to my appreciation of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
A gift a novel.
For anyone who has ever felt their body is betraying them, this is a book for you. It will comfort, it will cuddle, it will fist bump in angry solidarity, it will scream by your side into a rainy quarry to the cosy non-diegetic soundtrack of Simon & Garfunkel. It will probably save somebody’s life.
It’s also a book for anyone who has ever felt music fill a gap in their soul; self-identified too hard around a favourite band; made sarcastic quips in their youth that might have shut down sincere human connections; earnestly compiled a mixtape for a friend; who may, even now, be prone to the occasional Leo-Pointing-At-Screen.jpg moment at seeing a beloved ‘90s or ‘00s indie song nameddropped in print.
Really, though, Thunderhead is for anyone who appreciates the raw power of words that ring true. Sophie Beer’s empathy and emotional honesty translate virtually 1:1 into prose. May it be the first novel of many.
For anyone who has ever felt their body is betraying them, this is a book for you. It will comfort, it will cuddle, it will fist bump in angry solidarity, it will scream by your side into a rainy quarry to the cosy non-diegetic soundtrack of Simon & Garfunkel. It will probably save somebody’s life.
It’s also a book for anyone who has ever felt music fill a gap in their soul; self-identified too hard around a favourite band; made sarcastic quips in their youth that might have shut down sincere human connections; earnestly compiled a mixtape for a friend; who may, even now, be prone to the occasional Leo-Pointing-At-Screen.jpg moment at seeing a beloved ‘90s or ‘00s indie song nameddropped in print.
Really, though, Thunderhead is for anyone who appreciates the raw power of words that ring true. Sophie Beer’s empathy and emotional honesty translate virtually 1:1 into prose. May it be the first novel of many.
February 28, 2025
Thunderhead by Sophie Beer
Thunderhead is an absolute gem of a novel. The way Beer captures the stages grief of having a tumor and losing hearing is deeply moving and so authentically written. It doesn’t just focus on the physical loss but also the emotional weight that comes with it.
I admire how the story navigates the minefield of high school and friendships—accurately describing the complexities and shifting dynamics that come with being a teenager. The blog post format was such a unique choice, making it feel like scrolling through social media, which made it incredibly engaging and easy to read.
Despite the heavy themes, there are glimmers of hope woven throughout, reminding us that our purpose isn’t just one thing—it evolves, just like we do. This book is heartfelt, raw, and ultimately uplifting. Highly recommend!
Thunderhead is an absolute gem of a novel. The way Beer captures the stages grief of having a tumor and losing hearing is deeply moving and so authentically written. It doesn’t just focus on the physical loss but also the emotional weight that comes with it.
I admire how the story navigates the minefield of high school and friendships—accurately describing the complexities and shifting dynamics that come with being a teenager. The blog post format was such a unique choice, making it feel like scrolling through social media, which made it incredibly engaging and easy to read.
Despite the heavy themes, there are glimmers of hope woven throughout, reminding us that our purpose isn’t just one thing—it evolves, just like we do. This book is heartfelt, raw, and ultimately uplifting. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I particularly liked the changes in font, the small illustrations that added richness, and the music lists that reflect the main character's mood at that time.
Thunderhead is the name the main character adopts when she writes her thoughts down in a blog. She wants privacy and thinks it would be too risky to write in a paper diary, where someone might find her innermost thoughts.
A diagnosis of hearing loss threatens her whole persona. How can she be herself when she only wanted to be a music journalist? Overwhelmed, she downloads her worries online. How does she find a way forward?
Recommended for readers aged ten years adn older.
Thunderhead is the name the main character adopts when she writes her thoughts down in a blog. She wants privacy and thinks it would be too risky to write in a paper diary, where someone might find her innermost thoughts.
A diagnosis of hearing loss threatens her whole persona. How can she be herself when she only wanted to be a music journalist? Overwhelmed, she downloads her worries online. How does she find a way forward?
Recommended for readers aged ten years adn older.
January 29, 2025
This story is about a girl who is starting high school in year 7 and doesn't know what's in front of her. Sadly, she was born with 2 brain tumors which is making her lose her ability to hear, but this does not stop her from chasing her love and passion for music. This book relates to me as I am starting high school, I love music and am involved in it a lot and when I was younger, I had hearing problems in my right ear and had to get grommets multiple times. This book was amazing, and I hope that the next book I read can be just as good, if not, better.
October 15, 2024
A middle grade novel about a young girl with a brain tumor, which means she will lose much of her hearing. The main character is obsessed with music, and I like that each chapter is prefaced with a playlist (all songs actually appear on Spotify as a 'Thunderhead' playlist - I checked!!)
This story also deals with friends and how we all change and grow apart.
Read by Suzie
This story also deals with friends and how we all change and grow apart.
Read by Suzie
January 25, 2025
This book is truely magical and inspiring story (Thunderhead would hate me saying that). A coming of age story that I thought would be the same as the rest but is beautifully written and has an excellently crafted plot that almost had me in tears (I don’t normally cry because a book by the way). It is truly Australia’s answer to ‘Wonder’ as Danielle Binks said. I would highly recommend
5 stars
5 stars
April 18, 2025
Once I started, I couldn’t put it down!
Thunderhead has a lot to deal with and as a typical YA they don’t always deal with things well.
Friendship, family and disability are the themes through the story and they are all entwined with Thunderheads passion for music.
I LOVE how this story had a playlist.
Listening to it as I read was brilliant!!
Give it a go 😊
Thunderhead has a lot to deal with and as a typical YA they don’t always deal with things well.
Friendship, family and disability are the themes through the story and they are all entwined with Thunderheads passion for music.
I LOVE how this story had a playlist.
Listening to it as I read was brilliant!!
Give it a go 😊
January 3, 2025
Captivating and at times chuckle worthy funny, this is slightly better than your average YA book no doubt due to the degenerative illness at its centre. Told in diary format, the true love of music is at its centre as well as the normal teenage angst for belonging and friendship.
January 23, 2025
An absolute delight. Brimming with love and hope and joy of music, I gobbled this up in a couple of days. Thunderhead has immaculate taste in music! Nina Simone, Fall Out Boy, The Decemberists and many more of my faves were on the playlists. 😊
January 14, 2025
Such a gorgeous, heart-warming and heart-affirming book. An ode to friendship and music and being your glorious self, in all its weirdness. I loved it.
April 17, 2025
This is a book I know I would’ve read and loved if I was a teenager.
October 2, 2025
Thunderhead is a moving and gorgeous book filled with heart. It uses a unique narrative style and is immediately endearing.
Read
May 7, 2025An unreliable narrator for a kids book is super fun! I loved Shannon and Evie hehe
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews